What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced that it has launched a mobile HIWU app to assist horsemen with the components of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.

After productive discussions with THA horsemen’s groups that raised serious questions about provisional suspensions issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and its Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, the two entities on July 28 announced a policy change effective immediately that postpones enactment of the provisional suspension—with exceptions based upon the type of banned substance—until the results of a split sample for a positive test are received.

Have you worked on the backstretch in Maryland in the last three years? Are you enrolled in a four-year degree program at a college or university? Do you have a passion to continue working in the Thoroughbred industry upon graduation?

Horsemen at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course are encouraged to use the email system established years ago by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Jockey Club to report on barn and facilities-related issues.

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) reminds horsemen and veterinarians that Covered Horses are subject to testing at any time, including following routine timed workouts (Post-Work testing). Testing following workouts is not limited to Vets’ List workouts.

Jamie Ness, whose horses have earned almost $80 million since he began training more than 20 years ago, collected the 4,000th victory of his career when Sing Scat won the first race at Laurel Park Sunday, July 16.

Richard J. Meyer, a Thoroughbred owner and advocate for horsemen and backstretch workers in Maryland, passed away at Anne Arundel Medical Center June 20 after a brief illness. He was 81.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has announced the members of an advisory committee that has been convened to oversee a three-year study on the use of furosemide (Lasix) during the 48-hour period before the start of a race, including the effect on equine health and the integrity of competition.

Have you worked on the backstretch in Maryland in the last three years? Are you enrolled in a four-year degree program at a college or university? Do you have a passion to continue working in the Thoroughbred industry upon graduation?

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, via the Horsemen’s Counseling program, on June 13 at Laurel Park facilitated a daylong workshop on Mental Health First Aid, a program that teaches participants how to provide support for persons in need. It was attended by MTHA and Maryland Jockey Club employees, backstretch workers, trainers and exercise riders.

Gov. Wes Moore in June announced appointments to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, which was created by the General Assembly this spring. The authority will make recommendations regarding the racing industry in Maryland and will work to improve horse racing and training facilities in the state.